Carmon

The conventional wisdom has typically been that single word domain names are the most valuable domain names to own. Most people take this as a basic truth. As a result, in the domain aftermarket, single word domain names are more valuable.

However, web searches have changed and by a majority, most people search with multiple words. Everything being equal, a search for prefab steel building is more likely to bring up http://steelbuildingprefab.com than a more generic single word site.

I suggest that 3, maybe even 4 word combinations are more valuable. For instance, http://bathingsuitsale.com should be more valuable for someone who actually sells bathing suits. The combination http://onlineacademicdegrees.com or http://graduateclassesonline.com are so specific to the subject matter that it should be uniquely valuable for someone in that business. In the same vein, one can see how any one of the following can be considered uniquely valuable. The theme should be clarity and specificity. In effect, the domain name that you select should be consistent with the keywords for you will be using so that your SEO efforts extend to the domain name.

In fact, I would argue even 4 word combinations might offer more value. Consider the following http://acidrefluxandheartburn.com, http://newandusedautosales.com - are all very specific to potential content for the underlying site. Someone who searches with the multiple search terms or related will most likely get these examples in the result than otherwise. It is clear that appraisers have to rethink how they valuate domains in light of how search has evolved.

R. Allebo is a long time domainer who shares his thoughts about the changing trends in the business.